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73. Secret Instructions for H. Killigrew. |
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1572, Sept. [10]. |
1. By other instructions he is directed to treat with the King's party and others of the Castle for the observation of the accord for the abstinence; and secretly to inform the principal of either part of the late horrible universal murder in France, and to move them to have regard that the like be not there attempted. |
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2. But he is also chosen to deal in a third matter, of far greater moment. It is found that the continuance of the Queen of Scots here is so dangerous, both for the Queen's Majesty, and the realm, that nothing presently is more necessary than that the realm might be delivered of her. For certain respects it seems better that she be sent into Scotland, to be delivered to the Regent and party, if it might be wrought that they themselves would secretly require it, with good assurance to deal with her by way of justice; that she should receive a that she hath deserved, whereby no further peril should ensue by her escaping or by setting her up again. Otherwise, the Council of England will never assent to deliver her out of the realm; and for assurance, none can suffice but hostages of good value, that is, some children and near kinsfolk of the Regent and Earl Morton. Recommends him to use all good speed and so to deal, that this matter might be rather opened to him than himself to seem first to move it. |
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Draft in Burghley's handwriting dated :—“September.” |
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2 pp. [Murdin, pp. 224, 225. In extenso.] |
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74. The Duke of Alençon to the Queen. |
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1572, Sept. 23. |
Amongst all the favours that God has granted to him esteems the most highly his share in her Majesty's good graces, not so much for the advancement he may hope for thereby as for the rare virtues and infinite perfections with which she is endowed, which have acquired such power over him that he will never rest content until by some happy opportunity he has testified to her his extreme desire to render her all the service which could be expected from the most affectionate prince who has ever had the honour to aspire to her hand. Assures her that his affection and fidelity are such that there is nothing in this world, however great or difficult it might be, that he would not willingly do in order to render her more certain thereof. Meanwhile sends to her Majesty as the bearer of the present letter one of the gentlemen of his chamber whom he trusts as he would himself and begs her to place as much faith in what this gentleman shall say in his behalf as if he, the Duke, spoke to her in person. |
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Whatsoever favour it shall please her Majesty to show to his envoy he will consider done to himself. |
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Subscribed :—“Vostre humble et plus affectionné a vous faire service. |
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“Francoys.” |
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[Postscript.]—“Madame je vous supli mescuser si sete letre nest toute escripte de ma min et croies que nay peu faire autrement”. |
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Endorsed by Cecil.—“23 Sept. 1572. Duke of Alanson to the Queen's Majesty, by Maysonfleur.” |
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French. 1 p.
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75. Officers of the Customs. |
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1572, Sept. |
The articles exhibited by Mr. Middlemore concerning his late grant, with the answer of the officers of the Custom-house in London to the same, according to the Lord Treasurer's letters to
them directed :—(1.) To see the Customers' books, and to take copies of them. (2.) To see all Licences and to endorse all wares shipped by virtue thereof. (3.) To see the Cocketts, and to take notes of them. |
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Endorsed :—Sept. 1572. |
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1½ pp.
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